This recording features Christian Baldini conducting a hand-picked selection of arias from six of Mozart’s much-loved operas, alongside their respective overtures. Soprano Elizabeth Watts, winner of the 2006 Kathleen Ferrier prize, is the featured soprano.
The Scottish Chamber Orchestra has established impeccable Mozartian credentials with its award-winning discography, to which Mozart: Opera Arias and Overtures is the latest addition. The SCO’s previous forays into operatic repertoire (Handel with soprano Emma Bell and Mozart, Haydn & Cimarosa with baritone William Berger) have been highly critically acclaimed.
The SCO’s affinity with Mozart’s music is demonstrated with perfect eighteenth-century style in the overtures; whilst the arias see the orchestra lend characterful support. Award-winning soprano Elizabeth Watts has performed in Don Giovanni at Covent Garden, Così fan tutte for Glyndebourne on Tour and Le nozze di Figaro for Santa Fe Opera and Welsh National Opera; she utilises her experience to create memorable performances.
A love of Mozart inspired conductor Christian Baldini to make music his career so it is fitting that his recording debut with the SCO features repertoire that is so close to his heart.
Recorded at Usher Hall, Edinburgh, UK, 3-6 June 2013
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Reviews
"... The recorded sound is superb - warm, detailed, and ideally balanced... A first-rate accomplished by all concerned, and highly recommended."
Ken Meltzer Fanfare - January/February 2016
Nominee for 2016 ICMA (International Clasical Music Awards) - Vocal Recital category
Recording of the Month
Performance ***** Recording *****
"...The overtures are as much of a pleasure to listen to as the arias ..."
David Nice - BBC Music magazine - September 2015
Music ****½ (Very Good/ Outstanding) Sound **** (Very Good)
Jrgen Kesting - Fono Forum magazine Germany - August 2015
"...A lovely recording of these famous overtures and arias of Mozart’s. They are spiritedly performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and beautifully sung by Elizabeth Watts"
Lute - SA-CD.net - 6 June 2015
"...This disc invites repeated listening and is highly recommended." ****½
Blair Sanderson - AllMusic.com - 1 June 2015
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